Probiotics are live bacteria that you ingest. The bacteria then pass into the digestive area and enter the intestine, where they promote health. Probiotics help to improve health by balancing the number of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria in the intestine. They’re the opposite of antibiotics—which kill bad bacteria. Probiotics are commonly used in treating stomach bugs, having shown the most impact on infants with diarrhoea. Probiotics have been shown to decrease the duration of the illness by a day. Similarly, some use them to ease symptoms of lactose intolerance - a condition in which the gut lacks the enzyme needed to digest significant amounts of the major sugar in milk, and which also causes gastrointestinal symptoms.

Earlier last year, the Advertising Standards Authority watchdog banned a TV advert for Actimel, manufactured by Danone, which suggested it stopped children falling ill. It ruled that the promotion was ‘misleading’ and its claim that the drink was ‘scientifically proven to help support your kids’ defences’ was not supported. Danone has subsequently dropped most of its claims that Activia yoghurts and Actimel drinks boost the immune system. It concluded there is no scientific proof that products such as Yakult have any health benefits at all.

I think that Probiotics drinks are a con because despite claims from the manufacturers there is no there is no solid evidence that Probiotics have effect on those who drink them. The supposed health benefits of Probiotics goods enable manufacturers to sell them at much higher prices than normal yoghurts and milkshakes. For example, a packet of seven 65ml bottles of Yakult costs up to £2.50 – double the price of the same quantity of chocolate milk.

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...ProbioticsProbiotics are live microorganisms thought to be beneficial to the host organism. According to the currently adopted definition by FAO/WHO, probiotics are: "Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host".[1] Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bifidobacteria are the most common types of microbes used as probiotics; but certain yeasts and bacilli may also be used....

...What are probiotics?
Probiotics are bacteria that help maintain the natural balance of organisms (microflora) in the intestines. An estimated 100 trillion microorganisms representing more than 500 different species inhabit every normal, healthy bowel. These microorganisms generally don’t make us sick; most are helpful. Gut-dwelling bacteria keep pathogens in check, aid digestion and nutrient absorption, and contribute to immune function. Probiotic...

...﻿Biotechnology Regulations and Ethics
FDA Regulation of Probiotics
One of the most significant implications of the Human microbiome project (HMP) is the expansion of number of probiotic products available on the commercial market. As, it is new area of study, new claims are being made about the role and the value of probiotics in promoting human health and well-being. However there is some uncertainty about the how these products should be...

...Probiotics and clinical effects: is the number what counts?
Bertazzoni E, Donelli G, Midtvedt T, Nicoli J, Sanz Y.
Source
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Pharmacology Section, Policlinico 'G. B. Rossi', Verona, Italy.
Abstract
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...promote health beyond providing basic nutrition, is flourishing. Within, the functional foods movement is the small but rapidly expanding arena of probiotics - live microbial food supplements that beneficially affect an individual by improving intestinal microbial balance. The consumers’ overwhelming interest in and demand for functional foods, including probiotics, make it imperative that health professionals stay abreast of the latest research findings and...

...﻿Description of ProbioticsProbiotics are living microscopic organisms, or microorganisms, that scientific research has shown to benefit the health. Most often they are bacteria, but they may also be other organisms such as yeasts. In some cases they are similar, or the same, as the “good” bacteria already in the body, particularly those in the gut. These good bacteria are part of the trillions of microorganisms that inhabit the bodies. This community of...

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Topic: Prebiotics and Probiotics
Prebiotics:
Definitions:
“A non-digestible food ingredient that beneficially affects the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon, and thus improves host health.”
Or
“A selectively fermented ingredient that allows specific changes, both in the composition and/or activity in the gastrointestinal micro flora that confers benefits upon...